Crop Report May 8-14, 2018

For the Period May 8 to 14, 2018

Thanks to good seeding conditions, Saskatchewan producers made up the time lost in previous weeks.  Thirty-five per cent of the crop is now in the ground, just ahead of the five-year (2013-2017) seeding average of 32 per cent for this time of year. Crops are starting to emerge.

Seeding is furthest advanced in the southeast, where 49 per cent of the crop is in the ground.  Forty-five per cent is seeded in the southwest, 28 per cent in the northeast, 26 per cent in the west–central region and 24 per cent in the east-central and northwestern regions.

Rain showers were reported throughout the province, particularly in the southwestern and west-central regions. The Gull Lake area received 18 mm of rain, the most in the province.  There have been multiple reports of grass and stubble fires due to the dry conditions and rain would be welcomed to help alleviate dry field conditions and concerns.

Most areas need rain to help alleviate dry field conditions.

Thirty-three per cent of the spring wheat, 26 per cent of the canola, 57 per cent of the lentils and 63 per cent of the field peas have been seeded to date.  Little rain, warm temperatures and strong and warm winds have caused topsoil moisture conditions to decline.  Hay and pasture growth is slow due to little rainfall.  Provincially, topsoil moisture conditions on cropland are rated as 57 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and eight per cent very short.  Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 40 per cent adequate, 43 per cent short and 17 per cent very short.

Producers are busy seeding, controlling weeds and moving cattle.

SaskPower reports 46 cases of farm machinery contacting electrical equipment in the last week, bringing the total for May to 73. Most farm-related incidents happen during seeding.  SaskPower reminds producers to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to plan ahead.  More safety information is available at www.saskpower.com/safety.